VACANT LAND IN HAIG ROAD USED AS REFUSE DUMP

Mrs Seow Peck Leng asked the Minister for Health and Law whether he is aware that the vacant land adjacent to houses Nos. 24 to 38 in Haig Road is being used as a refuse dump and that the backlane of these houses is in a filthy condition, and what steps are proposed to be taken in these matters.

Mr Byrne: Mr Speaker, Sir, an inspection was carried out immediately on receipt of a letter of complaint signed by the residents on 28th October, and it was found that some people had been dumping refuse on the vacant land at the side of No. 24, Haig Road, and at the rear of No. 40, Haig Road. Two labourers were detailed to clean the place immediately, and this was done before the strike.

The backlane referred to has a beat labourer responsible for its cleansing and it has been cleaned and restored to a satisfactory condition.

The general cleaning-up operations in this area will have to be deferred until after the strike. Dumping of refuse on private land is a contravention of the Local Government Ordinance, for which those who are responsible can be punished.